An Introduction to Plato’s Republic

Political Philosophy Course: An Introduction to Plato’s Republic Prof. Jonathan Culp Lecture: An Introduction to Plato’s Republic This lesson provides an introduction to the course as a whole. First, Dr. Culp offers an answer to the question, “Why study Plato’s Republic?” Then he provides some historical information regarding the lives of Socrates and Plato and their significance. … Continue reading An Introduction to Plato’s Republic

Plato for the Ambitious

Dr. David O’Connor discusses Plato’s ambivalence toward political ambition in the Republic Plato expresses an ambivalent attitude about political ambition in the Republic. On the one hand, Plato invites the reader to experience the excitement of making real changes in the world that can make people’s lives better. On the other hand, this spirit of reform … Continue reading Plato for the Ambitious

Class 16: The Extended Republic and Congress III

Political Science Course on “The Changing American Constitution” Taught by Dr. Christopher Wolfe CLASS 16: “THE EVOLUTION OF AMERICAN CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES: THE EXTENDED REPUBLIC AND CONGRESS III” Christopher Wolfe is emeritus professor of political science at Marquette University, and served as co-director of the Thomas International Center from 2005 to 2014. He currently teaches at the University of … Continue reading Class 16: The Extended Republic and Congress III

Class 15: The Extended Republic and Congress II

Political Science Course on “The Changing American Constitution” Taught by Dr. Christopher Wolfe CLASS 15: “THE EVOLUTION OF AMERICAN CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES: THE EXTENDED REPUBLIC AND CONGRESS II” Christopher Wolfe is emeritus professor of political science at Marquette University, and served as co-director of the Thomas International Center from 2005 to 2014. He currently teaches at the University of … Continue reading Class 15: The Extended Republic and Congress II

Class 14: The Extended Republic and Congress I

Political Science Course on “The Changing American Constitution” Taught by Dr. Christopher Wolfe CLASS 14: “THE EVOLUTION OF AMERICAN CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES: THE EXTENDED REPUBLIC AND CONGRESS I” Christopher Wolfe is emeritus professor of political science at Marquette University, and served as co-director of the Thomas International Center from 2005 to 2014. He currently teaches at the … Continue reading Class 14: The Extended Republic and Congress I

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

In this lecture, Dr. Jonhatan Culp talks about “Plato’s Allegory of the Cave” Plato’s allegory of the cave in Book 6 of the Republic is one of the most well-known pieces of writing in the history of philosophy, yet it is difficult to understand. Some readers see it primarily as an allegory depicting the ways … Continue reading Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

Class 15: Concluding Reflections

Political Philosophy Course on “An Introduction to Plato’s Republic” Taught by Dr. Jonhatan Culp CLASS 15: CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS Dr. Culp is Director of International Studies and Associate Professor at the University of Dallas.

Class 14: Second Critique of Poetry and the Rewards of Justice

Political Philosophy An Introduction to Plato’s Republic Dr. Jonhatan Culp Class 14: Second Critique of Poetry and the Rewards of Justice In this class, Dr. Culp discusses the final book of the Republic—Book X. First, Dr. Culp analyzes the new critique of poetry that takes up half of the final book. Unlike the earlier critique … Continue reading Class 14: Second Critique of Poetry and the Rewards of Justice

Class 13: The Tyrannic Soul and the Superiority of Justice

Political Philosophy An Introduction to Plato’s Republic Dr. Jonhatan Culp Class 13: The Tyrannic Soul and the Superiority of Justice In this class, Dr. Culp discusses Book IX of the Republic, which begins with a description of the perfectly unjust or tyrannic soul—the soul that is dominated by eros and a host of lawless desires. … Continue reading Class 13: The Tyrannic Soul and the Superiority of Justice

Class 12: The Decline of Cities and Souls

Political Philosophy An Introduction to Plato’s Republic Dr. Jonhatan Culp Class 12: The Decline of Cities and Souls In this class, the conversation in the Republic returns to the core challenge of the book: the proof that justice is superior to injustice. (That argument will be explored in the next class.) To prepare the way … Continue reading Class 12: The Decline of Cities and Souls